Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Repair and Diagnosis: Application and ID




Identification Codes

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Location





The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit combination of letters and numbers. The VIN is stamped on a metal tab riveted to the instrument panel, top upper left of the dash. The VIN is also found on the Vehicle Certification (VC) label.

If the VIN plate requires replacement, authorized dealers must contact their respective regional office.











Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)





The first 3 VIN positions are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).

- 2LN - Lincoln, Canada, passenger car
- 2LJ - Lincoln, Canada, incomplete vehicle, Hearse
- 2L1 - Lincoln, Canada, Limousine

Restraint Code





The fourth VIN position is the vehicle restraint system type code.

- F - Active safety belts - all positions, driver and front passenger air bags (limousine/hearse)
- H - Active safety belts - all positions, driver and front passenger air bags with driver and front passenger side impact air bags

Vehicle Line and Series Code





Positions 5 through 7 indicate vehicle line and series code.

- M82 - Town Car, Signature Limited Series
- M84 - Town Car, Executive Series (long wheelbase)
- M85 - Town Car, Signature Series (long wheelbase)
- M88 - Town Car, Executive Series (fleet)

Engine Code





The eighth VIN position is the engine displacement and number of cylinders code.

- V - 4.6L (SOHC), electronic fuel injection, 8-cylinder (flex-fuel)
- W - 4.6L (SOHC), electronic fuel injection, 8-cylinder

Check Digit Code





The ninth VIN position is a computer-generated check digit code (0-9).

Model Year Code





The tenth VIN position is the model year code.

- 9 - 2009

Assembly Plant Code





The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.

- X - St. Thomas, Canada

Production Sequence Number





The last 6 VIN positions are the production sequence number. These numbers determine the vehicle build order and provide warranty information.

The serial number can also be found on the engine block, transmission and frame.

- 600001-999999


Vehicle Certification (VC) Label

Vehicle Certification (VC) Label Location





The upper portion of the VC label contains the manufacturer name, the month and year of manufacture, the certification statement and the VIN. It also includes the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The VC label is located on the front LH door jamb.

If a vehicle requires replacement of the VC label and is 4 years old or less, an authorized dealer must submit the VIN to their respective regional office. The regional office will submit a web form to the assembly plant for the replacement label. Once the label has been printed, a representative from the regional office will deliver the label to the dealer and witness installation on the vehicle. If a vehicle is more than 4 years old and requires a replacement label, the dealer must submit a request to the Department of Motor Vehicles.











Exterior Paint Code





Paint codes are listed as a 2-part code. The first set of characters listed indicate the vehicle primary body color. The second set of characters listed (if applicable) indicate a 2-tone or accent body color. All colors are base coat/clear coat.

- DX - Dark Blue Pearl
- G3 - Pueblo Gold
- HH - Dark Cherry
- JP - Silver Birch
- LS - Light Ice Blue Metallic
- UA - Ebony
- WT - Performance White

Interior Trim Code





The interior trim codes are listed below. The first digit indicates the interior fabric. The second digit indicates the interior color.

- Q - Nudo leather

The interior trim colors are:

- G - Greystone/Medium-Light Stone
- K - Medium Camel/Light Camel
- N - Charcoal Black

Tape/Paint Stripe Code





Tape and paint stripe codes do not apply.

Radio Code





The radio type codes are:

- B - AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD changer
- K - Premium electronic AM/FM stereo with cassette, CD player and clock

Axle Code





The axle ratios are:

- 27 - 3.27 conventional
- 55 - 3.55 locker

Transmission Code





The transmission code is:

- Q - 4-speed automatic overdrive (4R75E)

Spring Code





This vehicle uses a rear air suspension. Only front spring codes are listed.

- Base part number - 18B036

Powertrain Calibration Information





NOTE: Powertrain calibration information is limited to a maximum of 5 characters per line on the Vehicle Certification (VC) label. Because of this, calibration identification consisting of more than 5 characters will wrap to the second line on the VC label.

Powertrain calibration information is printed in the lower right corner of the VC label. Only the base calibration information is printed. Revision levels will not appear, however, they can be obtained through a scan tool using the most current software revision.

Protocol 3









Model Year
- 0 - 2000
- 1 - 2001
- 2 - 2002
- 3 - 2003
- 4 - 2004
- 5 - 2005
- 6 - 2006
- 7 - 2007
- 8 - 2008
- 9 - 2009

Vehicle Line
- VC - Lincoln Town Car

Transmission
- 1 - Automatic transmission

Unique Calibration

The Emission/Corporate Average Fuel Economy/Carbon Dioxide Compliance Department is responsible for assigning these calibration numbers. Unique calibration identifications are assigned to cover similar vehicles to differentiate between tires, drive configurations, final drive ratios and other certification-significant factors.

These 2 characters are chosen by the analyst to provide easily identifiable information unique to each calibration. For example, using the number 2 to denote a 2-valve engine versus using the number 4 to denote a 4-valve engine provides an easily identifiable difference.

Fleet Code
- 0 - Certification (U.S. 4K, final sale in an export market)
- 1 - Heavy Duty Gas Engine/Dyno
- 2 - Fast - Automobile Manufacturers Association U.S.
- 3 - Alternative Durability Protocol U.S.
- 4 - Not assigned
- 5 - Not assigned
- 6 - Evaporative Emission (EVAP)
- 7 - Mileage Accumulation, Aging Endurance Durability
- 8 - On-Board Diagnostic (OBD)
- 9 - Not assigned

Certification Region
- 5 - U.S. 50 states
- A - U.S. federal, including altitude, may include Canada, may include Mexico
- B - U.S. California standard, includes U.S. green states
- C - Canada
- D - China
- G - Gulf Cooperative Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates)
- H - Hong Kong
- J - Japan
- K - Korea
- L - Malaysia
- M - Mexico
- N - New Zealand
- P - Australia
- Q - South America (Brazil)
- S - Singapore
- T - Taiwan
- U - South America (unleaded fuel regions)
- V - Vietnam
- X - Rest Of World (ROW)
- Y - Military
- Z - Israel

Revision Level (not printed on label)
- 91-99 - Hardware and certification levels
- 01-04 - Preliminary levels
- 00 - Job 1 production (initial certification)
- 05-09 - Pre-job 1 revisions to calibrations
- 10-89 - Post-job 1 revisions to calibrations
- 0B - Durability test level
- BD - OBD intermediate level (pre-05)